Top 10 Songs by Former Beatles

When the idea of a top 10 list came out, my first inclination was that a Beatles Top 10 list was too obvious, not to mention, too difficult. I scratched my head while noodling over some of my other favorite bands, and then it dawned on me.

Why not a list of the top 10 songs by former Beatles? All four went on to successful solo careers. There is plenty of material from which to choose.

So after some CD browsing, iPod listening and just some old-fashioned soul searching, here's my list, in no particular order.

Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)- John Lennon

Being lucky enough to have a son, this song will always be special. You can feel the love Lennon had for Sean. I think he sums it up with "I can hardly wait to see you come of age, but I guess we'll both just have to be patient." Breaks your heart when you think of it. Be sure and crank up the volume at the very end to hear the distant steel drums. Feels like you are truly sailing away to a dream.

Watching the Wheels - John Lennon

This is probably my favorite Lennon song. You can really feel where he is in life. Total contentment. I can only imagine a point in life where you don't care what people think.

Imagine - John Lennon

Not too many songs have had the impact that Imagine has. We all know that the world is not that simple, but we sure wish it was. What a great line, "you may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one." This is possibly his finest work.

Live and Let Die - Paul McCartney/Wings

Definitely the best James Bond title song. I love McCartney's voice when he goes into those Beatlesque lyrics after those pounding, powerful horns.

Band on the Run - Paul McCartney/Wings

Amidst band upheaval within Wings (two members quit right before recording), McCartney came through with certainly his paramount post-Beatles album and single. Ginger Baker of Cream fame played drums on part of the album. So catchy!

Silly Love Songs - Paul McCartney/Wings

Just kidding.....

Maybe I'm Amazed - Paul McCartney

I am not much of a love song kind of guy, but I have to admit it is brilliant. It is one of the rare songs where you hear the live version almost as much as the studio version. This is McCartney at his solo best.

Venus and Mars/Rock Show- Paul McCartney

I would love to see this performed live. As my son put it when listening to Venus and Mars, "it sounds like sleepy time music". Then Rock Show came on and changed his mind. Simply put, a great rock song.

What is Life - George Harrison

Everyone is loved by someone and loves someone back. Harrison nails it with "What is my life without your love". I think everyone can relate. It is just a happy song.

Dark Horse - George Harrison

The quiet confidence of George Harrison comes out in a great "in your face" song. Always watch out for the dark horse.

It Don't Come Easy - Ringo Starr

Every Beatles album had a Ringo contribution. This list will be no different. However, trying to find a Ringo song worthy of the list, well, it don't come easy. Sorry Ringo.